ATMS 571: Advanced Physical Climatology Hartmann

Paper Discussion Format:

I expect every member of the class to carefully read the papers and think about them. The paper discussion leaders have a special responsibility to make the discussion lively. I do not want a bland, blow-by-blow recitation of what is in the paper. This can be really boring. To enliven things, I want to try the following format. The paper discussions will address the following seven questions.

1. What is the question?

2. What is the approach?

3. What are the main insights coming out of the paper?

4. What are the weaknesses of the argument?

5. What did you not understand?

6. Where does the paper lead?

7. What question would you ask the author(s)?

The first six questions will be asked by the discussion leader for the paper. Class members will volunteer to answer specific questions, trying to be succinct, precise, and interesting. Successful answers that promote learning by everyone receive a full points. If no student successfully answers a particular question on the list, then the discussion leader must address it. After the first six questions are dealt with, the class members get to ask the discussion leader the question that they the class member have come up with for number 7. All are encouraged to add information, comments, and questions at any point. Discussion leaders and class members may caucus beforehand to set up a script or assign parts, if they wish. I expect the whole process should take about 20 minutes, less if the questions don't have interesting answers, more if lively discussion ensues.